Labadie Conducts Bach’s Easter Oratorio

April 09, 10 & 11, 2026

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Overview

Canadian maestro Bernard Labadie, one of the leading interpreters of the Baroque and Classical repertoire, conducts the first-ever SF Symphony performances of Bach’s Easter Oratorio, a spectacular celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Bach was a devout Lutheran, but he wrote music for real human beings, not musical sermons for potential saints. Who wouldn’t feel the grief of a mother who has lost her son, the sorrow of his devoted disciples, or the anguish of one who found redemption in his love? And who wouldn’t share in their exultation when he returns? Bach’s vivid Magnificat depicts Mary’s response to the news that she will bear the son of God. Although the score calls for large forces by Bach’s standards, the magnificence of the Magnificat never supplants the mystery.

Artists

Bernard Labadie

Conductor

Joélle Harvey

Soprano

Hugh Cutting

Countertenor

Andrew Haji

Tenor

Joshua Hopkins

Baritone

Jenny Wong

Director, San Francisco Symphony Chorus

San Francisco Symphony

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249
First SF Symphony Performances
Johann Sebastian Bach
Sinfonia to Wir danken dir, Gott, BWV 29
Johann Sebastian Bach
Magnificat in D major, BWV 243

Sponsors

Lead support for the San Francisco Symphony Chorus this season is provided through a visionary gift from an anonymous donor.

Labadie Conducts Bach’s Easter Oratorio

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